By Molly Lee
Spring is about to start, and for all my fellow hay fever sufferers, it marks the beginning of the end. Well, not literally. It’s the start of sore eyes, runny noses, and hating flowers. I think I’ve tried every product available to prevent the symptoms, so here are a few different things for you to try this hay fever season.
Hay fever relief wipes
Cost £1, allow some relief, and smell nice? Yes, please! I discovered hay fever relief wipes two years ago, and they are now an essential in my bag during spring and summer. They work by removing any pollen, dust, and other allergens from your skin, particularly your face and hands—all it takes is a simple wipe. Many different brands of these wipes include soothing ingredients, which not only make them smell nice but also help ease irritation and soreness.
Barrier balm
I was very hesitant about this at first. A balm you rub around your nostrils that magically stops pollen from going into your nose? Surely not! But it does work somewhat effectively. It creates a physical barrier to trap pollen, dust, and other allergens. This stops them from irritating your nose, causing the dreaded runniness and endless sneezes.
Cooling eye gel mask
My eyes hurt like hell when my hay fever is triggered, and it causes nothing but issues—they feel dry, they go blurry, and it causes a headache. Thankfully, my mum discovered cooling gel eye masks, which are very affordable. All you have to do is put the eye mask in the fridge to go cold and then wear it with your eyes closed for as long as you’d like. The coolness helps ease irritation, can reduce any potential swelling, and keeps you cool on a hot day!
Hay fever face mist
A cool, refreshing spray of mist that helps soothe irritation is another must-have during hay fever season. Hay fever face mists commonly have anti-inflammatory properties, and they also gently wash allergens away from the face. The immediate cooling sensation is a lifesaver! I was worried I would notice the mist on my skin, but it is gentle and non-irritating.
Eye mist
Some people prefer eye drops. Personally, I don’t because I cringe every time I try to keep my eye open and drop a liquid into it. Therefore, I much prefer using an eye mist to help moisten dry eyes. Optrex is the brand I use, as it is a reputable company, though it can be a bit on the pricey side. With eye mist, you simply close your eyes, spray your eyelids, and then repeatedly blink. This restores your eye’s natural protective moisture barrier to ease dryness and irritation.
Good luck, fellow hay fever sufferers! May the pollen be kind!
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
